Purpose in Pain: A Better Plan

Isaiah 55:8-9 have carried me through many inexplicable moments in my life. Whatever your particular struggle - from wondering why relationships fail to questioning the loss of a seemingly great opportunity, from enduring undeserved rejection to experiencing gut-wrenching loss - one thing is clear from these verses. God has a master plan.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

I think it is of utmost importance that we recognize the incredible promise contained in these verses. There is a Christian school of doom and gloom out there that would say, “God has a plan. It doesn’t make sense to us, but His ways are not ours, so get over it.” Well, while that may be true in a sense, let’s take another look at what is being said. Yes, His ways are not ours, meaning they are different, but then He goes on to say that not only are His ways different, but they are higher, meaning they are better!

God sees things we cannot see and when He looks at our lives, I believe He sees the end from the beginning, and He has a perfect plan for us. I believe He wants and plans wonderful things for each of us; however, because we don’t live in a perfect world, we are going to (as Christ told us in John 16:33) face difficult times. When we encounter these trials we are at a decision point. Will we give up and turn down the road of defeat and despair never to be truly effective examples of the awesome power of the Holy Spirit that lives inside of us, or will we give our situation, with all its hurt, pain, and questions over to the Lord and let Him use the situation and us to bring further glory to Himself and victory for the kingdom?

The question is not whether we will go through pain and trial, but rather what will we do when these times come? I’m not saying that our situations should never knock us down. There are moments in life, so painful and so tragic that our human forms simply cannot hold it together. As the Jesus said, “The Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” (Matt. 26:41) So the point is not that you never fall down but rather that you get back up! (Prov. 24:16) Build yourself up in the Spirit daily (fill your arsenal, if you will) so that when these times come you will be able to stand. As Joyce Meyer often says, “You can be pitiful or powerful, but you can’t be both!” You decide!

To be continued…

Purpose in Pain: Stand on the Promises!

“God is in heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your words be few.” Ecclesiastes 5:2 (NLT)

One of my favorite things is to search for and mark the promises of God to us that are found in His Word. They are countless! Years ago God gave me a “confession,” if you will, that says, “God will not let me miss or mess up any of the plans that He has for my life as long as I am truly seeking Him.” I often say this out loud, as the scripture tells us that our words have power (Proverbs 18:22). And based on verses like Proverbs 16:9 & 19:22, I believe that each of us can claim this promise as our own.

I believe that God is constantly preparing us for things we don’t understand. If we have given our lives to Him as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1) we must endure whatever comes with the faith that He will never leave us (Hebrews 13:5). (If you are not familiar with the poem Footprints, I suggest reading it.) Years ago I began praying “Use me,” and “Make me.” I know that in all my “human-ness” I am a mess. But I also know, as sure as the air that I breathe, that God has placed a calling on my life. So to get to “use me” I will no doubt have to continue in the “make me” process (which will never be complete this side of glory). I have to walk with Him each day (whether good or difficult), trusting that He is on the job. He is making me into an “approved workman” (2 Timothy 2:15), an instrument ready for the task He has set before me (which only He knows in full). He is answering my prayers! When pain and trial come, should I abandon my call and seek my own comfort, crying, “Lord, it’s too hard!”? No! I can’t! I’m in it all the way! As Paul said, I must press on.” (Philippians 3:12 & 14)  

I always wondered how I would react if my faith was ever truly shaken. Now I know, from experience, that He really is my Rock, and because of His power alive in me I truly can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13) That knowledge alone is priceless!

Two other things I have always believed but now know as never before are that, “I know Whom I have believed,” (2 Timothy 1:12) and that, "He Who began a good work in me is faithful to complete it.” (Philippians1:6)

You may be thinking, “That’s great for you, but I don’t have a “call” on my life.” Yes, you do! If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, you are now His ambassador (personal representative) to the world! (2 Corinthians 5:20) There is no greater call! Now, fulfill it! Study to show yourself approved. (2 Timothy 2:15) And know that, come what may, He will never leave you! (Hebrews 13:5) Let go of your life, and let Him have it. You’ll find peace like you’ve never known.

Purpose in Pain: Peace in the Storm

At 4 a.m. (February 23, 2011) the day after learning about the loss of our baby and just hours before we would head to the hospital for the procedure, God woke me gently with these words that I wrote down.

In Christ we can stand in the midst of tragedy amazed by the power of God. In what should be our weakest moment we can find strength we never dreamed of. While life’s storm rages around us, we can find complete peace from the only One who says, “Peace, be still.” (Mark 4:39)

The year before, when I was organizing a women’s conference for our church and the day was almost here, I was thinking over all I had to do. In my spirit (so clearly it was nearly audible) I heard God say, “I got it!” It was an amazing feeling, and for the rest of that week I walked in joy and peace instead of fear and anxiety. I was able to enjoy that time instead of being completely stressed out. And undoubtedly I was a much better reflection of the message I was hoping to convey than if I had been a complete mess.

I challenge you to remember these words from God. If you find yourself in a moment of worry or fear, hear God say, “I got it!” And let that be the end of it. What peace! God knows your heart, and if you are earnestly seeking Him, He’ll take care of everything else!

“But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.” Matthew 6:33 (Amplified Bible)